Care Sector Pilot

It is anticipated that an additional 1.3 million adult social care staff will be needed by 2025 as the sector responds to an aging population.

DWP understand that supply and demand for the care sector throughout the North East matches well. We also know that despite a history of care related initiatives we have not yet developed a systematic and convincing way to move people into the available job roles. This is a picture that is common across the UK.

Negative customer perceptions around low pay, contracted hours, location of work have been reinforced by recent media commentary.

In response Work Services Directorate (WSD) Jobcentre Plus (JCP) and North East England (NEE) Group has formed a Steering Group of key care sector partners with the intention of developing a fresh approach to supporting recruitment and retention.

The pilot has set out to improve Care Sector recruitment improving the understanding of key stakeholders such as Work Coaches, Employer Advisers, Training Providers and Employers to enhance the customer experience and improve recruitment / retention activity in this sector.

This has involved the development of tools / techniques to improve the knowledge and confidence of Jobcentre Plus staff and communications between JCP, employers and providers. The intention is that customers will be enabled to make informed decisions about the opportunities available, be better prepared for the recruitment process, participate better, have improved levels of take up and remain in employment longer.

The project has an employer led approach and employers have been engaged with the pilot from the outset to shape emerging models. The intention is that care sector employers will be part of the design solution.